CameraReview

Nikon D60 vs Nikon D80 — Which Is Better?

Nikon D60 versus Nikon D80
Side by side47 specifications
Nikon · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C Nikon D60
34
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 10 MP · APS-C Nikon D80
34
SCORE
Nikon D60
Nikon D80
General
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20082006
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
January 29, 2008August 9, 2006
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 126 x 94 x 64 mm132 x 103 x 77 mm
Camera weight 522 g668 g
Optics43/10039/100
Read the Optics Comparison

Nikon D60 vs D80 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D60 comes out on top in our optics comparison with a score of 43/100, while the Nikon D80 scores slightly lower at 39/100. Both cameras share a number of specifications, including a CCD sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and a lack of image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras have a shooting speed of 3 frames per second.

The D60’s higher score is due to its 10.2 megapixels, compared to the D80’s 10 megapixels, and its Expeed processor, which is an improvement over the D80’s Nikon Image processing engine. Furthermore, the D60 has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 65, while the D80 scores at 61. These factors contribute to the D60’s better performance in terms of image quality and processing capabilities.

On the other hand, the D80 does not have any significant advantages over the D60 in the optics department. Both cameras share many similarities, and the differences in specifications are minimal. The D80’s lower score is mainly because of its older image processing engine and slightly lower megapixel count.

Taking all these factors into consideration, the Nikon D60 is the superior camera in terms of optics. Its higher megapixel count, better processor, and higher DXOMARK sensor score make it the better choice for those seeking improved image quality and processing capabilities. While the Nikon D80 is not a bad option, the D60’s advantages make it the clear winner in this comparison.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
10.2 MP05010 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3872 x 25923872 x 2592
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CCDCCD
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
16 x 2415.8 x 23.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3 fps0453 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon F DXNikon F DX
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
ExpeedNikon Image processing engine
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
1600300328000016003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
3200300328000032003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
30300110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
✗✗
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Read the Video Comparison

Nikon D60 vs D80 Video Performance

Moving on to the video capabilities of the Nikon D60 and Nikon D80, it is important to note that neither camera has video functionality. As a result, there is no video score to compare between these two cameras. Their respective strengths lie in their photography features and not in video recording.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
✗✗
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/AN/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/AN/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/AN/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
✗✗
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/AN/A
Features17/10017/100
Read the Features Comparison

Nikon D60 vs D80 Features and Benefits

The Nikon D60 and Nikon D80 both have a feature score of 17/100, making them equal in this category. They share several common specifications, including a 2.5-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 230,000 dots, and the absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth.

Despite the identical scores, the Nikon D80 has an advantage over the D60 due to its Wi-Fi capability. This feature allows users to transfer photos wirelessly and remotely control the camera, providing additional convenience and flexibility in various shooting situations. The presence of Wi-Fi in the D80 is a significant advantage over the D60, which lacks this feature.

On the other hand, there are no specific areas where the Nikon D60 outperforms the D80, as both cameras share most of their specifications. In this case, the D60 does not have any advantages over the D80.

Taking these points into account, the Nikon D80 is a better choice for those who value the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity, giving it an edge over the Nikon D60. However, it is essential to consider that both cameras have the same feature score and share many specifications, making them equally suitable for users who do not prioritize Wi-Fi functionality. The Nikon D60 and D80 are comparable cameras, but the presence of Wi-Fi in the D80 makes it a more convenient option for some users.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
YesYes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
YesYes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
✗✗
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
✗✗
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
✗✗
Screen size 2.5"2.5"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
23000011500015000002300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
✗✗
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
✗✗
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
NoYes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
✗✗
Storage & battery27/10053/100
Read the Storage & battery Comparison

Nikon D60 vs D80 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D80 outperforms the Nikon D60 in storage and battery with a score of 53/100, while the D60 scores 27/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. However, the D80 has a significantly better battery life and a different battery type.

The Nikon D80’s battery life lasts for 2700 shots, using the EN-EL3e battery. This longer battery life makes the D80 more suitable for extended shooting sessions or situations where charging is not readily available. On the other hand, the Nikon D60’s battery life is limited to 500 shots, using the EN-EL9 battery.

The Nikon D60 does not have any advantages over the D80 in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras lack USB charging, which could be a drawback for users who prefer this option.

Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Nikon D80 is the better choice, offering a significantly longer battery life. The Nikon D60 falls short in this category, making it less suitable for extended use without access to charging facilities.

Memory card SD / SDHC / MMCSD / SDHC
Dual memory card slots ✗✗
Battery type EN-EL9EN-EL3e
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
500 shots15050002700 shots1505000
USB charging ✗✗

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